Kerala High Court's Division Bench rejected the state government's appeal against a previous ruling that halted judicial commission formation. The commission aimed to examine Enforcement Directorate officers' actions during gold smuggling investigations. Officials had challenged the appointment through legal channels after the Single Bench imposed restrictions. The stay remains active following this dismissal.
Central agency representatives argued that state authorities lack power to investigate federal officials under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. They claimed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan exceeded authority when establishing the body. The Enforcement Directorate suggested Kerala officials sought to obstruct their ongoing criminal probe. State representatives defended their commission as legitimate but failed to convince judges.
This ruling limits Kerala's legal alternatives while federal investigators continue their work. The 2020 diplomatic gold seizure case maintains political significance throughout the region.
Central agency representatives argued that state authorities lack power to investigate federal officials under the Commissions of Inquiry Act. They claimed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan exceeded authority when establishing the body. The Enforcement Directorate suggested Kerala officials sought to obstruct their ongoing criminal probe. State representatives defended their commission as legitimate but failed to convince judges.
This ruling limits Kerala's legal alternatives while federal investigators continue their work. The 2020 diplomatic gold seizure case maintains political significance throughout the region.
